The Rising Star Award

BANA AL-ABED

Born 7 June 2009, Bana Al-Abed came to the world’s attention as the voice of those trapped in rebel-held Aleppo during the siege of the city. Her tweets gave a rare and tragic insight into the mental and physical difficulties suffered by civilians caught in the war zone. After suffering through airstrikes, hunger and constant terror, Bana and her family were able to escape to Turkey in 2016, where the President himself was the first to greet them.
Since escaping Aleppo, Bana has not only remained a strong voice against the Al-Assad regime with over 400,000 followers on twitter, but has published her own memoirs entitled “Dear World: A Syrian Girl’s Story of War and Plea for Peace.” After appearing on stage with other activists during Common and Andra Day‘s song Stand Up at the 2018 Oscars, her voice is being heard by more people than ever, drawing much-needed attention to the ongoing conflict in her homeland.

Quotes and Praise

“I hope my book will make the world do something for the children and people of Syria and bring peace to children all over the world who are living in war.”
"I want to remember about millions of refugees in the world today, just think about them, they have no homes, no hospital, and no jobs, nothing. The world must come together for them."
“When I grow up I want to become a teacher and go back to Aleppo and teach the children of Aleppo.”

Published First Book Aged 8, Dear World: A Syrian Girl’s Story of War and Plea for Peace
Over 350,000 Twitter Followers
Appeared On-Stage at the 2018 Academy Awards with Common and Andra Day